The harsh southern sun can wreak havoc with our skin, making us look so much older than our years, so it's important to protect it from harmful UV rays.
What's your skin type?
Most skin types fall into one of four categories: dry, normal, oily or combination. Skin type is determined by the amount of oil secreted — and is hereditary. Environmental influences can exacerbate conditions, but the different areas in the skin that produce oil, and the amounts of oil produced, are based on genetics.
Although skin is remarkably robust, too much sun or skin care products can lead to skin allergies or sensitivities. To avoid this, minimise the number of products you use and find ones that are especially designed for your skin type.
Prep your skin for summer
Heat stimulates the oil glands, which bump up oil production, resulting in a vicious cycle of oiliness and dehydration, or a classic combination skin. Exfoliate at least once a week to improve the moisture in your skin — the cream you apply afterwards will reach the cells that need it.
Dehydration caused by the increase in pollution, air-conditioning, stress and negative lifestyle habits has become a major problem. Moisturisers are now available that not only introduce moisture into the skin, but also maintain the moisture level.
Ensure you drink at least eight glasses of water a day in summer: your skin will look clearer and glow. A good tip is to keep a bottle of water in your car — sitting in traffic is an ideal time to get through your required liquid intake.
The key to keeping your make-up on in the heat is to choose the correct day cream for your skin type and to apply it correctly. If your skin is dehydrated or oil-dry, applying more day cream won't solve the problem. If your skin feels taut, dry or looks excessively oily during the day, exfoliate at least once a week and change your day cream to one that is more suited to your skin type. After application, allow at least two minutes for absorption and then blot off the excess by pressing with a tissue, particularly in the T-zone.
All skin types can benefit from hydrating masks in summer, which smooth fine lines and increase radiance, without making the skin oily. Prepare your skin by exfoliating and applying a hydrating mask each weekend in the run up to summer.
Protecting your skin from harmful rays
With the harsh sun in the southern hemisphere you should be wearing SPF30 sunscreen every day, whether you're in the sun or not. Studies show that even if you never forget your sunscreen, unless you block out 100 percent of the ultraviolet rays, lolling in the sun will damage your skin whether you burn or not.
Limiting your time in the sun, especially during midday hours, is essential. And if you want some extra protection, take your vitamins and minerals. According to research, oral supplements of vitamin E and selenium, as well as topical applications of vitamins C and E, can give your sunscreen a boost by partially preventing the skin damage that occurs once you've been exposed.
Foods to cleanse your skin from the inside out:
- Fish contains oils that will help nourish your skin.
- Ground linseeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote good skin health.
- Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin. Eat plenty of dark orange (carrots, sweet potatoes) and dark green (broccoli, spinach) vegetables — all of which are high in vitamin A.
- Vitamin E helps promote good-looking skin. Nuts such as hazelnuts and almonds are high in vitamin E — and great as snacks.
How do you protect and prepare your skin for summer? Let us know below.
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